Interior Design Mission Statement
The mission of the Interior Design Program at Winthrop University is to strive for a high standard of design education in order to provide a learning environment that encourages the development of highly competent interior design professionals at the baccalaureate level. The program focuses on the ability (for students) to design quality interior environments that contribute to the well-being and safety of individuals and groups along with incorporating a concern for the environment and society at large. The philosophy and purpose of the Interior Design Program is based on the following areas that are valued for an interior design program and education.
- Broad liberal arts, basic creative arts, design fundamentals, and design theory- The program is built on the concept of professional education within a framework of liberal arts education.
- Strong understanding of the design process- The program places the focus of interior design education on process. The sequence of courses builds on developing skills in the complex process of interior design. Design problems are solved by students using a thorough and systematic approach.
- Holistic approach to solving design problems across disciplines- The program considers a multitude of factors that influence a design, including client/user needs,human welfare and safety, functional, economical, and utilitarian solutions, as well as physical, psychological, and contextual fit. Design concepts look at the total environment, and also raise awareness for the world environment and issues of sustainability.
- Team approach to the design process- The program recognizes that the design process involves the interaction of professionals from a variety of disciplines.
Program Accreditation
Council For Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA)
The interior design program leading to the BFA in Interior Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503.
The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The BFA in Interior Design granted by Winthrop University meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: https://www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements.
National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
Founded in 1944, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities with approximately 363 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for art and design and art/design-related disciplines, and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other art/design-related endeavors.
The interior design program leading to the BFA in Interior Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503.
The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The BFA in Interior Design granted by Winthrop University meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: https://www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements.
National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
Founded in 1944, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities with approximately 363 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for art and design and art/design-related disciplines, and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other art/design-related endeavors.